The regulation of so-called transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber, Lyft, Get Me, and Bid my Ride is the subject of heated debate across San Antonio.
Some believe that TNCs should abide by the same regulations used for the traditional vehicle for hire industry, which includes mandated fingerprint background checks on drivers.
A nine-month pilot agreement between the City and rideshare companies operating in San Antonio makes those fingerprint background checks optional, but TNCs require that all drivers take third-party, multi-district background checks.
(Read more: Citizens Sound Off on Fate of Rideshare in San Antonio)
Some of those in the vehicle for hire industry – which includes taxicabs, limousines, tours, charters, horse-drawn carriages and pedicabs – have pushed to “level the playing field” when it comes to regulations to make the local transportation market fair.
Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber recently ceased operations in Austin after voters rejected a measure to do away with fingerprint background checks. Some rideshare supporters worry that the same could happen in San Antonio.
Over the next few months, the City will reassess the pilot agreement and gather public input to determine the future of rideshare in San Antonio.
The City will host another “rideshare roundtable” on Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. at TriPoint YMCA Grantham Hall, 3233 N. St Mary’s. Residents are also encouraged to participate in the online survey at www.sanantonio.gov/rideshare.
Image ©John Branch for the Rivard Report, 2016.
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The willingness of Americans to trade quality and safety standards for a cheap anything is getting completely ridiculous. Techies and Wall Street are turning the US into a third world economy and everyone is letting them do it. We deserve Trump.
Let’s be honest here you forgot to put a taxi cab hat on the man standing with the protest sign.
Jeff, It’s a relatively new service. Every other company has had the same issues Uber is experiencing starting out. It will get better over time considering that every driver/passenger is rated. The safety issues have been exaggerated.
The end goal is for Uber to use nothing but self driving cars.. so yes eventually the problems involving bad drivers will go away. As will all of the jobs. As will all of the taxi drivers.
In the meantime I see no reason to let these corporate goon billionaires roll over our cities, thinking we will beg city leaders to cancel safety laws so maybe, just maybe, they will grace us with their services.